Breaking news: Ricky Stuart has resigned his four-year contract with the Canberra Raiders, choosing to finish his career with the team. ..
In a landmark decision that has thrilled fans and solidified the Canberra Raiders’ future, head coach Ricky Stuart has officially re-signed a our-year contract extension with the club, declaring his intention to finish his coaching career in green.
The deal, which runs through the 2029 NRL season ensures that the Raiders will retain one of the most experienced and passionate coaches in the modern era of rugby league. Known for his loyalty, intensity, and deep roots with the Raiders, Stuart’s re-commitment is being celebrated as a major win for the club.
This club has always been my home. I started here as a player, and now I’m proud to finish here as a coach,” Stuart said during a Friday morning press conference. “I’ve had opportunities elsewhere, but my heart is in Canberra. This is where I belong.
Ricky Stuart’s history with the Raiders dates back to his playing days in the late 1980s and early ’90s, where he helped the club to three premierships (1989, 1990, and 1994). As a halfback, Stuart was known for his sharp kicking game, fierce competitiveness, and leadership qualities — all traits that have translated into his coaching career.
He returned to the club in 2014 as head coach and has since overseen a rebuild that brought the Raiders back into finals contention. Stuart guided the team to a Grand Final appearance in 2019 and has consistently kept the side competitive despite roster challenges and a changing NRL landscape.
Now, with a renewed four-year deal, Stuart has a clear runway to finish what he started — bringing another premiership to Canberr
While exact figures of the deal haven’t been publicly disclosed, it’s understood that Stuart turned down several lucrative offers from other NRL clubs and even international teams. According to insiders, one Sydney-based club was willing to double his current salary.
But for Stuart, the decision was never about money.
This job is about more than just contracts or offers,” he said. “It’s about the people, the culture, and building something that lasts. I want to finish my career where I started — and hopefully bring more success to this proud club.
The reaction from within the Raiders’ camp has been overwhelmingly positive. Club CEO Don Furner praised Stuart for his loyalty and long-term vision, noting that his leadership has been instrumental in building a strong club culture.
Ricky is more than a coach — he’s the heart of the club,” Furner said. “He’s instilled values of resilience, community, and professionalism into everything we do. We’re thrilled to have him leading us for the years ahead.
Players have also voiced their support. Star forward Joseph Tapine called Stuart a mentor and motivator,” while co-captain Elliott Whitehead credited Stuart’s passion for uniting the playing group.
He genuinely cares about every player, on and off the field,” Whitehead said. “When you play for Ricky, you want to give everything you’ve got.
Throughout his tenure, Stuart has championed local development and given chances to young players often overlooked by other clubs. Under his guidance, the Raiders have built a reputation as a tight-knit, hard-working team that consistently punches above its weight.
With four more years ahead, Stuart plans to double down on those efforts.
We’re not chasing headlines or big names. We’re building from the ground up — local juniors, tough footy, and a club that stands for something,” Stuart said. “That’s the legacy I want to leave.
While the Raiders came agonisingly close in 2019, a fourth premiership has so far eluded them. But with Stuart locked in, the club can plan for the future with confidence and cohesion — two things often in short supply in today’s fast-moving NRL environment.
I won’t rest until we bring another trophy back to Canberra,” Stuart said. “That’s the goal. That’s the dream. And I believe we can do it with this group.
As one of the longest-serving coaches in the NRL, Stuart’s decision to finish his career in Canberra bucks the trend of short-term coaching contracts and high turnover. It reflects a deeper philosophy — one rooted in community, commitment, and identity.
For Canberra Raiders fans, today’s announcement is more than a contract extension. It’s a message that their club, often overlooked by the national media, has something special: a coach who believes in them as much as they believe in him.